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NCAA Basketball: 2018 ACC/Big Ten Challenge preview and predictions

By Austin Walther

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 23: Michigan Wolverines head Basketball Coach Jon Beilein watches the action during the first half of the game against the Chattanooga Mocs at Crisler Center on November 23, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Chattanooga Mocs 83-55. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 23: Michigan Wolverines head Basketball Coach Jon Beilein watches the action during the first half of the game against the Chattanooga Mocs at Crisler Center on November 23, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Chattanooga Mocs 83-55. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 02: Stevens (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 02: Stevens (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

ACC/Big Ten Challenge Game 3: No. 13 Virginia Tech @ Penn State

TV Schedule: Tuesday, Nov. 27, 7 p.m. ET ESPN2

Arena: Bryce Jordan Center, University Park, PA

I wonder if they set this match up thinking that Tony Carr was coming back. The only thing Penn State has going for itself is that it’s a home game. They won their first two which was nice, but then tripped up to DePaul in the Gavitt Games. The Nittany Lions were in a very winnable Tournament, but lost to Bradley. Two not so good losses before the ACC/Big Ten Challenge isn’t what they were expecting.

Virginia Tech has been exceeding all expectations. Well really their only quality win has come to Purdue, but that’s still a great win. That Charleston Championship was the first time the Hokies allowed more than 64 which is a good sign. They failed to reach at least 80 points just once. Buzz Williams has this team clicking early on.

The Hokies deserve every part of their top-15 ranking. They have a nice trio of guards who were all highly recruited when they came to Blacksburg. Nickeil Alexander-Walker is the man. He’s averaging over 21 points per game, almost six boards and 4.5 assists. Justin Robinson is the point guard with six assists per game to go along with 17 points. Ahmed Hill can knock down some shots as well.

Penn State would argue that even without Carr, they still have the best player on the court. Lamar Stevens is averaging almost 25 points per game and almost nine boards. He’s doing it all for Penn State. Josh Reaves seems to be struggling to get going. He’s putting in 11.8 points and just over three assists per game. Mike Watkins was supposed to be their third piece to the three-headed monster, but he still hasn’t returned yet.

Freshman Myles Dread does shoot the ball well for Penn State, but they have struggled with balanced scoring. Virginia Tech has the experience and guard play to not only make an impact in the regular season, but go on a long run in March. The Nittany Lions are young outside their top-two.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 76, Penn State 66